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U.S. National Champion Figure Skater Ashley Wagner joins The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility to encourage teens to say YES to a healthy lifestyle and NO to underage drinking

Aug

05

2013

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. National Champion figure skater Ashley Wagner has joined The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility and its Ask, Listen, Learn: Kids and Alcohol Don’t Mix program to embolden teens to “say YES to a healthy lifestyle and NO to underage drinking.” In addition to encouraging youth to make good decisions, it also promotes an ongoing dialog between parents, teachers and teens about the dangers of underage drinking.

The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility recognizes that teens are exposed to negative peer pressure and understands it can be difficult to stay on track with healthy lifestyle choices in middle school. While the availability of alcohol to underage youth has declined for more than a decade, 11 percent of 8th graders report they have consumed alcohol in the past month. As the 2012 Four Continents champion and Grand Prix Final silver medalist, Ashley will serve as a positive role model for teens as they set goals for future success.

Throughout the next year as an Ask, Listen, Learn superstar, Ashley will support this national campaign to say no to underage drinking through in-school presentations, national media opportunities, print materials in Scholastic Magazine, social media and online content at www.asklistenlearn.com. Ashley will challenge kids on the interactive Ask, Listen, Learn educational game, providing an opportunity for middle school kids to learn about the negative consequences of underage drinking and benefits of making healthy decisions while they exercise.

Ashley Wagner joins a team of other superstars to promote Ask, Listen, Learn.

Aly Raisman, the most decorated 2012 US Gymnast and Dancing with the Stars finalist

Apolo Anton Ohno, speed skater, Dancing with the Stars Champion, and the most decorated US winter Olympian

“I’m thrilled to be partnering with The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility and their Ask, Listen, Learn program,” said Wagner. “These kids are at the age where they need to think about what their goals are in life, then make decisions on whether they want to give into peer pressure or keep working toward their dreams. I hope to encourage them to be confident in what they want to achieve and how they’re going to get there- and I can tell them, underage drinking is not the way to go!”

Ashley will also be featured in a public service announcement that will be broadcast nationally on NBC on Jan. 5, 2014 during the Progressive Skating and Gymnastics Spectacular from 1-3p.m. EST.

“We’re excited to have Ashley Wagner join the Ask, Listen, Learn team as an influential role model for teens across the country,” Ralph Blackman, President and CEO of The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility added, “Her success can serve as a testament to the rewards of living a healthy lifestyle and saying no to underage drinking. We look forward to supporting her on her journey to Sochi!”

About Ask, Listen, Learn

Ask, Listen, Learn is the most widely distributed alcohol education program of its kind. Ask, Listen, Learn’s initiatives include Asklistenlearn.com, a website that encourages kids to “say ‘YES’ to a healthy lifestyle and ‘NO’ to underage drinking” by offering kids interactive and educational games and videos. On the site kids can read about positive role models and take a pledge to make healthy choices. Parents and educators are also encouraged to visit the site to find tips on how to facilitate these conversations with kids.

About The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility

The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility, is a national not-for-profit leader in the fight to eliminate drunk driving and underage drinking and is funded by the following distillers: Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.; Beam, Inc.; Brown-Forman; Constellation Brands, Inc.; DIAGEO; Hood River Distillers, Inc.; and Pernod Ricard USA. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility promotes responsible decision making regarding beverage alcohol and develops and implements innovative programs and public awareness campaigns which ignite action through strategic partnerships. Established in 1991, The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility’s initiatives are highlighted on its website at www.responsibility.org and www.asklistenlearn.org.